Chapter 87

For three months, Sebastian had frantically searched for Stephanie, terrified she might be suffering. Sofia, however, had hidden Stephanie away, subjecting her to rigorous training. In the end, Stephanie faced no real danger, and her stamina improved considerably.

Now, Stephanie supported Sebastian, carefully offering him black coffee.

“Stefi,” he murmured softly, unexpectedly tender in his drunken state.

“Yes? I’m here,” Stephanie replied.

“You are not allowed to run. If you do, I’ll break your legs,” he slurred.

Stephanie froze. Even drunk, he still threatened her, she thought.

After finally getting him to drink the coffee, Stephanie tried to help him to his room, but lacked the strength. It was already two in the morning, and most of the villa staff had retired. With no other option, she let him sleep on the couch in her room. She covered him with a blanket before returning to her bed. Exhausted, she fell into a deep sleep immediately.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating Sebastian’s face. He blinked, his gaze falling on the blanket, momentarily disoriented. Once he regained his bearings, he realized he was in Stephanie’s room. Memories of the previous night flooded back.

A strange tightness gripped his chest. He glanced towards the bed, where Stephanie slept soundly. His phone buzzed; it was Elliot.

“Hello?” Sebastian answered.

“Mr. Giovanni, Mr. Ashford has been trying to schedule a meeting,” Elliot informed him.

“Forget him,” Sebastian dismissed, knowing he would never meet Ashford. His gaze softened as he looked at Stephanie. “He’s still trying to buy Whispering Bay?”

“Yes,” Elliot confirmed.

Sebastian chuckled mockingly. “He’s devoted to his first crush. Tell him we’re not interested.” There was no need for games; crushing his hopes outright would be equally satisfying. Sebastian knew the Ashford family's precarious situation; this failed project could cripple a key part of their business. The consequences were clear.

They could mock the Hart family, but they weren't faring much better; they were all in the same sinking boat. If he announced Giovanni Group’s refusal to cooperate with Chris Ashford, the entire Ashford family would be thrown into chaos, following the Hart family’s example. Sebastian found this prospect appealing.

By the time Stephanie woke, Sebastian was gone. In the bathroom, she noticed her swollen lips. Memories of Sebastian biting her flooded back. Damn, he was rough, she thought. People would definitely notice. Though it hadn't felt painful at the time, her lips were now severely swollen. A mask was essential.

Downstairs, she found Sebastian in the dining room. His gaze sharpened as he saw her. “Why are you wearing a mask inside?”

Stephanie chuckled awkwardly. “I’m not hungry. I’m going to the studio.”

His commanding voice stopped her. “Stop.”

Stephanie turned, eyes teary. “Sebastian, I…”

“Come here and eat,” he ordered. He didn't believe she wasn't hungry after the night before.

Stephanie hesitated. Sitting down meant removing her mask, revealing her swollen lips.